AUSTIN, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Austin-based Key Enterprises Inc. with four serious and two repeat violations of safety standards at the company's worksite in Dripping Springs, Texas. Proposed penalties total $50,000.

"Employees should not be exposed to the dangers of excavation hazards," said Eric S. Harbin, OSHA's area director in Austin. "In this case, it is fortunate that no one was injured."

OSHA's Austin Area Office began its investigation on Sept. 22 at the company's worksite along Highway 290 West in Dripping Springs. The investigation found serious violations including the company's failure to position a ladder within 25 feet of workers in the trench; to remove objects that could have fallen into the excavation and to test the atmosphere for possible gases that may have been present. A serious violation exists when there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew or should have known of the hazard.

The two repeat violations were for failing to ensure employees were adequately protected from cave-ins and to remove workers from a worksite with known excavation hazards. A repeat violation is defined as a violation that previously was cited where, upon re-inspection, a substantially similar violation is found.

OSHA previously cited Key Enterprises in July 2007 and again in July 2008 for similar violations. Combined penalties were $5,875.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Austin or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Austin-area employers and employees with questions about safety and health can call 512-374-0271. They can also use OSHA's hotline number at 800-321-6742 to report workplace accidents, fatalities or imminent dangers.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

###

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request. Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755. The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance.

Thank You for Visiting Our Website

You are exiting the Department of Labor's Web server.

The Department of Labor does not endorse, takes no responsibility for, and exercises no control over the linked organization or its views, or contents, nor does it vouch for the accuracy or accessibility of the information contained on the destination server. The Department of Labor also cannot authorize the use of copyrighted materials contained in linked Web sites. Users must request such authorization from the sponsor of the linked Web site. Thank you for visiting our site. Please click the button below to continue.